Vapourising oil burner problems

[xerxes]

I've inherited an Aga and an oil-fired stove, both fitted with vapourising burners. Over the last few years I've been teaching myself how to service them (and it's been a bit frustrating at times).

Now I hear (on BBC Radio 4) that many people with vapourising burners are having problems with excessive soot because of a recent EU directive reducing sulphur content in kerosene. This would help to explain some of the problems I've been having.

Is there anything I can do to lessen the problem (for example by using an additive)? Changing the appliances is not affordable in the short or medium term.

Can anyone point me to a reliable source of information on maintaining these devices, so that I can improve my knowledge?

 

[oilman]

Use paraffin.

 

[moliver34]

Yes I have a tip!

Get an Oftec technician or someone who is qualified to service your appliances.

I take it you have a smoke gun and proper test equipment to carry out the combustions tests?

 

[xerxes]

Thanks, Oilman.

I wasn't aware that paraffin was readily available these days in bulk supply. Are there any disadvantages to using it?

 

[oilman]

Yes I have a tip!

Get an Oftec technician or someone who is qualified to service your appliances.

I take it you have a smoke gun and proper test equipment to carry out the combustions tests?

This is an Aga with a sleeve burner, what tests are you proposing, and what should the results be?

I wasn't aware that paraffin was readily available these days in bulk supply. Are there any disadvantages to using it?

Probably costs more. Otherwise get aircraft fuel.

 

[WDIK]

Probably costs more. Otherwise get aircraft fuel.

steady.

kerosine is pararfin

avtar is a bit different

 

[moliver34]

A smoke test............

 

[Tipper]

Errr....and what adjustments are you going to make when you have the test results?

 

[OilLecky]

I think that Avtur or JP1 or JET A1 Aviation fuel is a kerosene based fuel.
Avtag is a wide-cut gasoline based fuel. Do NOT go there.
Avcat is a low volatility fuel for use in shipborne aircraft.

I don't know about Avtar. Isn't that one of those little piccies on a computer?

Either way, if you can get a cheapish supply of paraffin it'll work and I think that Avtur or JP1 or JET A1 would be worth a trial.

 

[OilLecky]

I'd better say it before someone else does.
DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER AVGAS!!!! It is 100/130 Aviation gasoline. i.e. really serious petrol!!!!

 

[oilman]

kerosine is pararfin

Not in this case Kerosene is class C2, paraffin (note 2 effs) is class C1.

The aircraft fuel is Jet A1.